Service
Permanent Leak Detection & Sensor Monitoring
Monitored waterproofing systems for peace of mind. If a car worth £30k will tell you about low tyre pressure, surely £30m buildings should tell you if there's a leak in your roof or basement.
Specify a systemVector designs, commissions and monitors permanent leak detection systems. Our solutions deliver genuine quality assurance that protect buildings and reputations.
Why main contractors engage us
The commercial case is clear.
- Compliance with best practice — BS 8102, BS EN 16893 and CIRIA C817 all require permanent leak detection on relevant build-ups.
- Quality assurance that allows determination of when and where the leak occurred — bringing clarity on which sub-contractor is responsible and significantly reducing remedial costs.
- Enhanced peace of mind and confidence for developers, insurers and occupants.
Case study
Vector Sensor Retrofit Case Study
Our approach
From design validation to lifetime monitoring.
Vector Validation
At RIBA Stage 3, we provide architects with a review and validation of their roof waterproofing design, picking up on common issues — falls, overflow outlets, interface details. Where appropriate we provide outline detail on a leak detection system at the same time.
Smart Leak Detection Design
Vector collaborates with the design team to develop a permanent leak detection system. We partner with several innovators (including Texplor and Sensor Innovation) to develop bespoke solutions for each situation. This becomes part of the specification at tender.
Installation & Quality Assurance
Vector trains the roofing contractor and oversees installation of the sensor array, providing comprehensive quality assurance on the waterproofing installation. We commission the system as soon as possible and monitor for defects through to practical completion and handover.
Robust monitoring
As well as monitoring the building element through a cloud portal with automated alarms, Vector completes comprehensive bi-annual inspections to provide compliance with BS 6229 and manufacturer guarantee stipulations. If a leak does occur, Vector identifies the defect location and ensures quality remedial measures are completed.
The benefits
Why this protects more than the roof.
- Stakeholder confidence
- Insurance premium reduction
- Early awareness of defects reduces programme and cost impact
- Enhanced reputation
CLT structures
Sensor Innovation have developed an outstanding system which measures wood moisture content (WME) wirelessly for 20 years. This allows for installation of sensors within concealed elements of timber structures — including under roof waterproofing.
These systems provide essential reassurance to developers, occupiers and insurers that decay is not a risk.
For the engineering detail behind sensor-based monitoring in mass timber, see our guide to monitoring moisture in mass timber, and the pillar structural engineer's guide to moisture management in mass timber and CLT.
Refurbishment projects
If you already have a leak and want to monitor it following remediation, we have retrofit solutions to monitor and provide stakeholder confidence that the issues are resolved over the long term.
Frequently asked questions
Which standards call for permanent leak detection?
BS 8102:2022 (Section 6.5 Note 2) makes permanent leak detection a compliance enabler for warm roof build-ups and loose-laid waterproofing on buried decks; BS 6229 recognises electronic leak detection devices; and CIRIA C817 calls for leak detection systems on warm blue roofs.
How do the sensors report a leak?
Readings feed a cloud monitoring portal with automated alarms, so a moisture change at the membrane is flagged in hours rather than discovered years later. Vector also completes biannual inspections to BS 6229 Clause 8.2, which keeps manufacturer guarantees live.
Can the system be used on CLT and mass timber buildings?
Yes. We specify wireless sensors that measure wood moisture content inside concealed timber elements - including under roof waterproofing - and run for around 20 years on a single battery.
Can sensors be retrofitted to an existing roof?
Yes. Retrofit solutions let you monitor a roof after remediation, giving owners and insurers long-term confidence that the issue is resolved.
Related technical resources
BS 8102:2022 · BS 6229:2025 · CLT moisture monitoring · Data centre monitoring case study
Have the experts design your leak detection system.
Get an independent sensor strategy that protects the building for its full life.
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